I am writing this while my husband takes a nap and my daughter fights her’s ๐ We spent the day running errands and now, as has become my tradition on Fridays, I am enjoying some quiet time (for the most part see photo to the left of my persistant cat Salem demanding my attention) in my office. As you know I have been checking in weekly with how my Poetry Book is coming and sharing the trials and tribulations of creating, self-publishing and illustrating my own poetry book.
One of the main challenges is that I am not an artist. What I mean is that if you were to ask me to draw an apple you would probably see something that somewhat resembles the sun, or the moon not quite full.
Regardless of ability I feel that this book needs to be from cover to cover a full expression of ME and a labor of love through and through. So, I have decided to paint, draw, Etch-a-Sketch artwork to accompany my poems.
While I am most definately not an artist I feel I am creative enough to try things, see what works and what doesn’t. One of my favorite mediums is watercolors and I am having a lot of fun with them. Today I am working on a painting for a poem I wrote that requires me to draw a girl-perhaps now you know why I am blogging instead ๐
I did however think that in the essence of full discloser that I should share some of the work with you. I imagine many of these pieces won’t even be considered for my book but I am proud of that fact that I am doing it. I believe it takes a lot of courage to tackle something new, something you know you aren’t great at and then turn around and share.
Anonymously online ๐
Alright, I will stop stalling, here is the first piece I painted-flaws and all. I painted it over the course of a few days to go with a poem I wrote titled “Moon’s Call” and I have included a small snippet from the poem. I hope you enjoy:
it sings songs to me through the cold.
I sit still at my desk
wandering through a wall of pent up creativity
searching for a beginning.”
That's a beautiful poem Michele! I also really like the effect of the water colour you did. I think that it is wonderful that you are doing the art for your book. I couldn't agree more that it is the perfect way for this book to be a true expression of you.
Thank you Petrea! I do really like the affect f the water colors-not sure I like the hand-drawn moon and words. I was actually thinking of doing something with layering there-maybe cut out shapes? Thanks so much for checking in!
If you are having fun Michele the artwork will follow! Play play play and remember the artwork does not have to be literal!
Hi Michele, I was drawn by the colour, but its the line drawing – your hand drawn moon and words – that have kept me. They have a delightful quality, human and real.
I love it Michele…..it's gorgeous….I hope to be doing some art myself very soon! Thanks for inspiring me. ๐
I love the water color and the poem, it's lovely!
I have fears about my art work too, the best thing to do is just go out there, balls to the walls and do it! You're doing a great job!
Martin thank you so much for the feedback! The hand drawn was what I was feeling the most unsure of but I think it was just what you said-the humanity of it-thank you for visiting and sharing!
VedaSun thank you so much! I am honored to have offered you just the smallest of inspiration! Hope to see you art work soon!
Dominee thank you! You are so right-we just have to do it and enjoy the experience! Lots of light to you with your own art!